Can I get a digital copy of a game I already own PS5?

The answer to this question is a bit complex, as it depends on the type of PS5 console you own and the specific game you’re interested in, but generally, if you have a PS5 with a disc drive, you can upgrade to a digital version of a PS4 game for free if the game is eligible, while if you have a digital-only PS5, you won’t be able to download the game for free. To get a digital copy of a game you already own on PS5, you’ll need to check the game’s eligibility for a free digital upgrade and ensure you have enough storage space on your console.

Understanding Digital Game Ownership on PS5

To delve deeper into the specifics of getting a digital copy of a game you already own on PS5, it’s essential to understand how digital game ownership works on the platform. The PS5 offers backward compatibility with most PS4 games, allowing you to play your existing library on the new console. However, the process of converting a physical game to a digital game or accessing a digital version of a game you already own on disc involves several factors, including the type of PS5 console you have and the game’s upgrade eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are detailed answers to frequently asked questions related to getting a digital copy of a game you already own on PS5:

1. Can you convert physical games to digital PS5? Yes, but only if you have a PS5 console with a disc drive. You can upgrade eligible PS4 games on disc to their digital PS5 versions for free, provided the disc is inserted into the drive to verify ownership.

2. How do I download a game I already bought on PS5? To download a game you’ve already purchased, go to the PlayStation App, select Game Library > Purchased, choose the game, and select Download. Then, pick the PS5 console or PS4 console you want to download it to.

3. Can I download the digital version of a game if I have the disc? While it’s possible, you would essentially be buying the game twice: once for the disc version and again for the digital version. You’d need to uninstall the disc installation data and then install the digital version.

4. Can you play disc-based PS4 games without the disc on PS5? No, for PS4 games on disc that are playable on PS5, the disc must be inserted into the PS5’s disc drive to play, even after installing the game from the disc.

5. Do I have to rebuy disc games for PS5 digital? Not always; some PS4 games offer a free upgrade to the PS5 version if you have the disc and a PS5 with a disc drive. However, this depends on the game’s publisher and their upgrade policy.

6. How to play PS5 disc game without disc? While you can’t play PS5 disc games without the disc being in the drive initially, once you’ve installed the game, the disc primarily acts as a license key to verify game ownership, but it still needs to be in the drive to launch the game.

7. Is it better to get digital games or disc? The choice between digital games and disc games comes down to personal preference. Digital games offer convenience and don’t take up physical space, but you may worry about digital rights management (DRM) and the potential loss of access to your games in the future.

8. Why can’t I download a game I bought on PS5? Check if you have enough storage space on your PS5. Ensure your console has sufficient capacity to download the game by checking the game’s details on the PlayStation Store.

9. Can I play games I already own in the PS5? Yes, games purchased through the PS Store are tied to your PSN account, not the console, so you can download and play them on your PS5 by signing in with your PSN account.

10. Will I still have my games if I sign in my PS4 account on PS5? All your PS4 games are linked to your PSN account, so signing in to your PS5 with the same account will give you access to your game library, allowing you to download and play eligible PS4 games.

11. Can you turn your physical Switch game to a digital game? On the Nintendo Switch, you can purchase and download a digital copy of a game you already own physically, but this requires a separate purchase, as the physical game does not grant rights to a free digital copy.

12. Do I have to rebuy my games on PS5? No, thanks to backward compatibility, most PS4 games can be played on PS5 without needing to rebuy them, provided you have a PS5 with a disc drive for disc-based games or access to your PSN account for digital games.

13. Are PS5 digital games cheaper than physical? The cost difference between digital and physical games on PS5 can vary. While digital games might offer some discounts, physical games, especially second-hand copies, can be significantly cheaper, potentially saving you money in the long run.

14. How many games can PS5 hold? The number of games your PS5 can hold depends on the storage capacity. With the base model offering about 825 GB of usable storage, you can store around 10-15 games, considering the average game size is between 40-60 GB.

15. Why can’t I play a game I bought on another account PS5? To fix issues with playing games purchased on another account, go to Settings > User and Accounts > Other and select Restore Licenses. This refreshes the licenses of all digital games in your library, allowing you to download and play them without issues.